10ParkPlaza,Suite2150, Boston, MA. 02116-3968
Voice: 857.702.3658, Fax: 617.570.9192
TDD: 617. 570.9193, E-mail: AACT@ctps.org
Chairmanb James F.White
Vice Chairman b Lisa Weber
Nadine Jones
MaryAnn Murray
BeverlyAnnRock
James Tozza
Attendees: Lisa Weber, Sylvia Mekler, Steve Justice, Christine Daniels, Jennifer Workman, Nancy Miller, David Vieira, Eric Lane, Kevin Wilson, Thomas Gilbert, Debbie Weathers, Ella Williams, Angela Manerson, Mary Davis, Nadine Jones
MBTA: Mike Hulak, Rob Sampson
Other: Kristen McCosh, Patricia Mendez, Winston Pierre,
Ray Croteau, Victor Herrera, Jessica Podesva, Steve Epps, Kevin MacDonald
She then asked for questions.
M. Davis asked why was there no represented from Keolis attending todayb s meeting. Chair Weber stated that AACT was informed of a scheduling conflict.
August 23 meeting minutes were accepted unanimously.
Kristin McCosh, Commissioner, Boston Commission for Persons with Disabilities
Began by sending well wishes to Chairman White. She introduced her staff who accompanied her to the meeting Winston Pierre, Patricia Mendez, Architectural Access Specialist for the City of Boston.
She stated the following:
She then asked for questions.
J. Smith-Workman asked if the WAVs will have jurisdictions. She also asked who will pay for the taxi subsidy pilot. Commissioner McCosh stated that because WAVs operate as standard taxis, they can pick up anywhere in Boston; though they cannot make pick-ups outside of Boston, they can make drop-offs. Regarding the taxi pilot, she is unsure of the pay structure, but she speculated that the MBTA will pay for some of it.
A. Manerson asked what color the WAVs are. Commissioner McCosh stated all cabs in Boston are white. WAVs are identifiable by the wheelchair icon.
N. Miller asked if WAVs are intended for same-day trips. Commissioner McCosh stated that WAVs are intended for same-day trips, though customers could schedule a regular trip. She noted that WAV drivers are trained to work with persons with disabilities.
Ms. Weber thanked the Commissioner for her update.
Rob Sampson, Manager for SWA, stated the following:
He then asked for questions.
T. Gilbert commented that he has noticed that the LED aboard speaker on a couple of the new buses were in shambles and not very clear. R. Sampson stated that to his knowledge the operators cannot trigger the stop announcements. He will contact Bus Operations
D. Vieira noted that he encountered a customer ambassador who was unfamiliar with the entire layout of Government Center station.
R. Sampson stated that the agentb s job is to be familiar with the station. He noted that he will do research.
P. Mendez stated that there is a problem at Shawmut station on the Red Line that needs attention. She would like to help. R. Sampson accepted her offer.
T. Gilbert commented that operator training should include more LED messages such as passengers: do not block the front entrance, move to the rear, and do not take up seating with bags.
J. Workman commented that Route 23 ridership has increased now that school has started. She noted that the Route 28 buses are very accommodating. The Route 23 is inaccessible for mobility devices and person with disabilities. She asked what can be done to increase the bus size. R. Sampson suggested that she file a complaint with the customer service. He also commented that the MBTA Service Planning Department holds public meetings to get customer input.
Ms. Weber thanked the Mr. Sampson for his update.
Mike Hulak, Manager of Paratransit Contract Operations, noted that he had submitted his report and added the following:
He then asked for questions.
A consumer wants to know the name of the financial partner the MBTA has processing THE RIDE deposits. The information was not available. Vice Chairman Weber recommended that she share her concern at the MBTA Customer Service Department 617-222-3200.
E. Williams noted that she has a standing pick up with THE RIDE weekly but she continues to be taken south instead of north. She noted that drivers show up 45 minutes to two hours late. M. Hulak apologized and noted that OTA is working with TRAC management to ensure that all customers get sufficient service.
K. Wilson commented that he had a late pickup at Fenway. He explained that the driver held him captive for over an hour while waiting for someone to leave at their place of employment in Brighton. He stated that it was after midnight when he arrived home.
J. Workman asked when will the new vans arrive that were on display. M. Hulak explained that the MBTA has purchased new vehicles that are similar, but not from New England Wheels. He noted the AACT Chair arranged for the viewing.
Ms. Weber thanked the Mr. Hulak for his update.
Victor Herrera, General Manager, announced that passenger assistance training (PAT) will be on October 11th from 8:00a - 4:00p.
He then asked for questions.
J. Workman asked that drivers be advised to show courtesy and ask a passenger if he or she needs assistance to the vehicle. V. Herrera stated that drivers are instructed to ask if assistance is needed to or from the vehicle in the passenger assistance training class.
Ms. Weber thanked the Mr. Herrera for his update.
Kevin MacDonald, General Manager, announced a PAT class on October 10th, 2017 from 9:00a b 3:00p.
He then asked for questions.
J. Workman enquired about a rumor that Veterans would not transition to Global until a later date. K. MacDonald stated transition will be November 1st instead of the original date to ensure for a better quality of service.
K. Wilson concerned that calls to book THE RIDE are usually disconnected. K. MacDonald asked that he share the dates and times.
E. Lane noted THE RIDE continually arrives late. K. MacDonald noted that historically, September is a very busy month for traffic, more people taking THE RIDE, more cars, and more school vehicles. Congestion will last until about the second week in December. He apologized for the inconvenience and advised him to contact dispatch.
Ms. Weber thanked the Mr. MacDonald for his update.
Steven Epps, Director of Transportation, announced PAT class will be on Friday, October 6th.
He then asked for questions.
J. Workman noted that she does not feel safe when THE RIDE driver(s) have being drinking liquids. S. Epps noted that he will need to do research.
Ms. Weber thanked the Mr. Epps for his update.
He explained that under his leadership things are getting better especially the dispatch side. Customer services are also getting better. He noted that his staff now has a better of understanding of their jobs and what is expected of them.
He also received a rash of complaints from members who were very upset with the treatment by his staff. He heard complaints concerning rudeness from dispatchers, lack of vehicles, vehicle mix up, no return calls, and late pickups. Mr. Croteau explained that he is willing to meet with each person individually who could provide information to help as he researches into their concerns.
Ms. Weber thanked the Mr. Croteau for his update.
The following concerns were shared:
Meeting adjourned at 2:55 PM.
Notables
The AACT ExecutiveBoard will meet from 10:00 AM to noon and the Membership meeting will be conducted from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on the fourth Wednesday of the month, except when noted.
Notices of AACT meetings are posted on the website of the MBTA at http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/public_meetings/. Visit the MPOb s calendar page at http://www.bostonmpo.org/calendar/month to find AACT agendas, meeting minutes, and past meeting minutes. For more on AACT, see the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the MBTA and AACT, the AACT Bylaws, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations at http://www.mbta.com/aact .
Also, find articles about topics discussed at AACT meetings in the MPOb s newsletter, TRANSREPORT, at http://www.bostonmpo.org/transreport. For more information on accessibility at the MBTA, please visit www.mbta.com/accessibility.
Comments and questions concerning AACT should be directed to Chairman James White by contacting the AACT Coordinator, Ms. Janie Guion, at 857.702.3658 (voice) 617.570.9193 (TTY), AACT@ctps.org (email), or c/o CTPS, 10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150, Boston, MA 02116 (US mail).
The MBTA Customer Call Center is NO longer located at 10 Park Plaza to receive walk in customer comments, concerns and inquiries. Please visit the MBTA website at www.mbta.com to submit your comments, concerns and inquiries. You may also call to speak with a Customer Service Representative.
6:30 a.m. b 8 p.m. Monday b Friday
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday/Sunday
(617) 222 b 3200
(800) 392 b 6100
TTY (617) 222 b 5146
The AACT meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities and is near public transportation. Upon request (preferably two weeks in advanceof the meeting), every effort will be made to provide accommodationssuch as assistive listening devices, materials in accessible formats and in languages other than English, and interpreters in American Sign Language and other languages.
The MPO complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal and state non-discriminationstatutes and regulations in all programs and activities. The MPO does not discriminateon the basis of race, color, national origin, English proficiency, income, religious creed, ancestry, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or military
service. Any person who believes her or himself or any specific class of persons has been subjected to discrimination prohibited by Title VI, ADA, or other non-discrimination statute or regulations may, her or himself or via a representative, file a written complaint with the MPO. A complaint must be filed no later than 180 calendar days after the date on which the person believes the discrimination occurred. A complaint form and additional information can be obtained by contacting the MPO (see above) or at www.bostonmpo.org.